PRIVACY POLICY
 
Effective Date: 9/25/24

Maritime Concierge Services ("the Company," "we," "our," or "us") values the trust you place in us and is fully committed to safeguarding the privacy of our Clients. We recognize that the confidentiality of personal and vessel-related information is paramount, and we uphold the highest standards in this regard.

This Privacy Policy serves as a comprehensive guide to how we collect, utilize, share, and protect the personal information of our Clients and website visitors. It is designed to inform you about the types of information we gather, the purposes for which we use this information, and the measures we take to protect your data.

By accessing or using our services, you ("the Client") consent to the collection and processing of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. We encourage you to read this document carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal information. If you do not agree with the terms outlined herein, we kindly request that you refrain from using our services or providing us with any personal information.

Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to maintaining the integrity and security of your personal information throughout our operations. This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations, and we will notify you of any significant updates to ensure that you are informed about how your information is managed.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services, including:

A. Personal Information

At Maritime Concierge Services, we collect various types of personal information necessary to provide our services effectively and enhance your overall experience. The specific categories of personal information we may collect include:

Contact Details: We gather essential contact information, which may include your full name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. This information is critical for communication purposes, allowing us to reach out to you regarding service updates, inquiries, and important notifications about your account and the services we provide.
Payment Information: To facilitate seamless transactions for our services, we collect payment-related information. This includes credit card details and billing information necessary for processing payments securely and efficiently. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your payment information and will utilize industry-standard encryption techniques during transmission and storage to protect against unauthorized access.
Insurance Information: In order to comply with our service agreements and ensure proper coverage for your vessel, we collect relevant insurance information. This may encompass details about your vessel insurance policy, including the names of additional insured parties, such as Captain Sam Villani. We may also request documentation verifying your membership with TowBoatUS or SeaTow. 
B. Vessel Information

To provide you with the highest quality of concierge services for your vessel, we collect specific information pertaining to your boat or yacht. This information allows us to tailor our services to meet your needs effectively. The categories of vessel information we collect include:

We gather comprehensive information about your vessel, including its make, model, year of manufacture, registration number, identification numbers, and current location. This information is crucial for identifying your vessel accurately and ensuring that all services provided align with its specific requirements and characteristics. Having detailed knowledge about your vessel enables us to coordinate maintenance and services effectively, ensuring that your vessel is always in optimal condition.
Service History: We maintain a record of all services performed on your vessel, which includes, but is not limited to, cleaning, detailing, maintenance, and wellness checks. This historical data is valuable for tracking the condition of your vessel over time and assists in scheduling future services. By keeping a thorough service history, we can provide personalized recommendations for maintenance and care, ensuring your vessel remains in excellent shape and ready for use.
C. Website Data 

In addition to the personal and vessel information we collect, we also gather certain data related to your use of our website. This information helps us improve our online services and enhance user experience. The types of website data we may collect include:

Log Information: Our servers may automatically collect log information when you visit our website. This may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, the pages you view on our site, the time and date of your visit, and other similar data. We use this information to analyze trends, administer the site, and improve our services by understanding user behavior and preferences.
Cookies: To enhance your experience on our website, we may employ cookies or similar tracking technologies. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us recognize you when you return to our site. They enable us to remember your preferences and provide you with a more personalized experience. You have the option to manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, allowing you to choose whether to accept or decline cookies. Please note that declining cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on our website.
We are committed to handling all data, including vessel information and website data, with the utmost care and in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

Service Provision: To provide vessel concierge services, including scheduling, cleaning, detailing, maintenance, and other contracted services.
Payment Processing: To process payments for services rendered, including storing credit card information on file.
Insurance Requirements: To ensure compliance with our terms, including adding Captain Sam Villani as an insured party on your vessel insurance and verifying active TowBoatUS or SeaTow membership.
Client Communication: To communicate with you regarding service updates, scheduling, billing, and service approvals via the Client Album.
Improvement of Services: To enhance our services based on feedback and usage data.
3. SHARING OF INFORMATION

We respect the confidentiality of your personal and vessel-related information and will only share it in the following circumstances:

With Third-Party Service Providers: We may share your information with subcontractors and service providers who assist us in delivering services to your vessel (e.g., cleaning, detailing, repairs). These third parties are bound by confidentiality agreements and are not permitted to use your information for any other purpose.
With Insurance Providers: We may share information with your vessel insurance provider to ensure coverage and compliance, including adding Captain Sam Villani as an insured party.
Legal Obligations: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request.
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
4. DATA SECURITY

At Maritime Concierge Services, we take the security of your personal, vessel, and website-related information very seriously. We implement a range of robust security measures designed to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. We understand the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of your information, and we adhere to the highest industry standards to ensure its safety.

4.1 Security Measures

Encryption: Any sensitive information, such as payment data, is encrypted during transmission using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. This ensures that your payment details are transmitted securely across the internet, protecting your financial information from unauthorized interception.
Access Control: Access to your personal and vessel-related information is strictly limited to authorized personnel within our company and trusted third-party service providers who require such access to perform essential functions. These individuals are bound by confidentiality obligations and are only permitted to access your data for legitimate business purposes.
Secure Data Storage: We store your information on secure servers that are protected by physical, technical, and administrative safeguards. These measures include firewalls, password protection, and encryption of sensitive data stored within our systems. We regularly review and update our security protocols to safeguard against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
Monitoring and Audits: Our data security systems are monitored for suspicious activity, and we conduct regular security audits to ensure that our protocols remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. We also train our employees on best practices for handling personal and sensitive information.
4.2 Risk of Data Transmission

While we strive to protect your data to the best of our ability, it is important to note that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. Although we utilize industry-standard security measures, we cannot guarantee absolute security. We encourage you to take steps on your own to protect your personal information when accessing our services, such as using strong passwords and keeping your login credentials confidential.

4.3 Data Breach Response

While we implement stringent security measures to protect your personal and vessel-related information, no system can guarantee complete security. In the unlikely event of a data breach that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of your personal information, we will take prompt and appropriate action, including:

Notification: If we determine that your personal information has been compromised, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible, in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Notifications will include details about the nature of the breach, the type of information affected, and any steps we have taken or plan to take in response to the breach.
Mitigation: We will immediately investigate the scope of the breach and take steps to contain it, including working with security experts, if necessary. We will also take any other necessary actions to mitigate potential harm and prevent further unauthorized access to your information.
Regulatory Compliance: In cases where applicable laws or regulations require notification to regulatory bodies or affected individuals, we will comply with all relevant requirements and timelines.
5. DATA RETENTION

We will retain your personal and vessel-related information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including the provision of services and compliance with legal obligations.

6. YOUR RIGHTS

As a Client, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.
Correction: You have the right to request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information.
Deletion: You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information, subject to legal obligations.
Opt-Out: You may opt-out of certain communications from us, such as promotional emails. However, this may affect your ability to receive essential service-related communications.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

WHILE MARITIME CONCIERGE SERVICES IMPLEMENTS RIGOROUS SECURITY MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD THE PERSONAL AND VESSEL-RELATED INFORMATION OF OUR CLIENTS, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ABSOLUTE SECURITY OF DATA TRANSMITTED VIA THE INTERNET OR STORED WITHIN OUR SYSTEMS. BY USING OUR SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS IN THE TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION ONLINE, AND YOU ACCEPT THESE RISKS.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MARITIME CONCIERGE SERVICES, ITS AFFILIATES, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS 

SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DATA BREACH, UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, ALTERATION, OR DESTRUCTION OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, WHETHER RESULTING FROM A CYBERATTACK, TECHNICAL FAILURE, OR ANY OTHER SECURITY INCIDENT.

IN NO EVENT SHALL MARITIME CONCIERGE SERVICES BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES UNLESS IT IS PROVEN THAT SUCH LOSSES RESULTED DIRECTLY FROM OUR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. EVEN IN SUCH CASES, OUR LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE INCIDENT.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE CLIENTS TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO PROTECT THEIR OWN INFORMATION, SUCH AS USING SECURE PASSWORDS, ENABLING TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION WHERE AVAILABLE, AND MAINTAINING THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF LOGIN CREDENTIALS.

8. GDPR COMPLIANCE

For clients and visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA), Maritime Concierge Services complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As a data controller, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent for the processing of your data for specific purposes.
Contractual Obligations: To perform our contractual obligations and provide services.
Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and protect the security of our systems.
Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, including accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements.
As a data subject, you have the right to access, correct, erase, restrict processing, and port your personal data. You also have the right to withdraw consent at any time and 

lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. For any GDPR-related inquiries or requests, please contact us using the details provided in this Privacy Policy.

9.CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our services are not directed towards children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under the age of 16, we will take immediate steps to delete such data from our records. Parents or guardians who believe that we may have collected information from their child are encouraged to contact us to request deletion. Maritime Concierge Services complies with applicable laws regarding the protection of children's data, including COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) and other regional regulations.

10. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated or controlled by Maritime Concierge Services. Please note that we are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these external sites before providing any personal information. Use of third-party services is at your own risk, and Maritime Concierge Services disclaims all liability arising from your use of such sites.

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

In the event of any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Privacy Policy or your use of our services, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the issue through good faith negotiations. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, the matter will be referred to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or an equivalent arbitration body in the applicable jurisdiction. 

Arbitration will take place in the state of Florida, USA, and the language of the proceedings will be English. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on both parties.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Maritime Concierge Services reserves the right to seek injunctive relief or other equitable remedies in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property, confidential information, or data security interests.

12. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Maritime Concierge Services, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and subcontractors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) arising out of or in any way connected with:

Your use of our services or website;
Your violation of this Privacy Policy or any applicable law or regulation;
Any breach of the representations and warranties made by you in this Privacy Policy;
The unauthorized access to or misuse of your personal information resulting from your failure to safeguard your login credentials.
This indemnification obligation will survive the termination or expiration of this Privacy Policy and your use of our services.

13. USE OF COOKIES 

We may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

14.WAIVER

No failure or delay by Maritime Concierge Services in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Privacy Policy shall operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege. Any waiver of any provision of this Privacy Policy will be effective only if it is in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Maritime Concierge Services. A waiver of any term or condition of this policy in one instance does not constitute a waiver of the same or any other term or condition in any other instance.

15.SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Privacy Policy is found to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision will be deemed severable from the remaining provisions and will not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. The remaining provisions of this Privacy Policy will continue to be in full force and effect, and the invalid or unenforceable provision will be replaced by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision.

16.UPDATES AND MODIFICATIONS

Maritime Concierge Services reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes made will be reflected in the “Effective Date” at the top of this policy. Significant changes, particularly those that materially affect your rights or the way we use your personal information, will be communicated through a notice on our website or by direct notification, depending on the nature of the change. Your continued use of our services after such modifications indicates your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

17. CONTACT US

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Maritime Concierge Services  

6135 Painted Leaf Lane, Naples FL 34116

239-776-6295

MaritimeConciergeServices@gmail.com